WikiLeaks founder loses bid for Swedish residency
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sweden's immigration authority has rejected a request for residency by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, a potential setback in his efforts to gain protection from Swedish press freedom laws.
The Australian has been exploring ways to take advantage of legal protection for whistleblowers in the Nordic country, where WikiLeaks has some of its servers. He applied for residency on 18 August.
"His application has been denied," said a Migration Board spokeswoman, Gunilla Wikstrom. She declined to give the reason. Assange has three weeks to appeal.
Ms Wikstrom wouldn't say whether the decision was influenced by the allegations against Assange of rape and sexual molestation brought by two Swedish women. Assange has denied the allegations.
WikiLeaks is said to be preparing to release a large set of classified documents on the Iraq war.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments